India is poised to become the third largest aviation market in the world. Airbus outlines its industrial footprint

India is expected to grow into the world’s third largest aviation market over the next decade, driven by rapid fleet expansion, rising passenger demand, infrastructure growth and deepening industrial capabilities, Airbus said on Thursday (Jan 29, 2026).

Speaking at a press conference at Wings India 2026, Jürgen Westermeier, president and managing director of Airbus India and South Asia, described India as one of Airbus’ most critical global markets. More than 10% of the company’s annual aircraft production is already supplied to India. “This is expected to grow further as the country’s aviation ecosystem expands widely,” he said.

India is currently the fifth largest aviation market and is expected to rise to third globally over the next decade, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.9%. Airbus estimates that per capita trips will double from 0.13 to 0.27 over this period, translating into approximately 400 million trips from India.

There are currently 850 aircraft in service in India

Over the past decade, the number of operational airports in India has more than doubled to around 150, supported by continued government investment in aviation infrastructure. The sector is supported by approximately 23,000 professionals. However, Airbus described India as still an ’emerging market’, with only 850 aircraft currently in service and relatively low air travel penetration compared to other regions.

Over the past decade, India’s fleet has doubled to 850 aircraft, while the number of routes has tripled. “Looking ahead, there are more than 1,700 aircraft on order with Indian airlines, with Airbus accounting for 72% of the order inventory, or 1,248 aircraft. Indian airlines have also strengthened their position in international traffic, which now stands at 47%, almost 10% higher than ten years ago,” said Mr Westermeier.

Expansion of fleet, capacity and freight

To meet future demand, the number of airports in India is expected to increase to about 200 over the next decade. The country’s fleet is expected to triple to about 2,200 aircraft, taking annual passenger capacity above 450 million seats, almost four times current levels. Capacity growth will be driven not only by an increase in the number of aircraft, but also by the introduction of higher capacity aircraft, such as the A321, and additional widebody jets.

On the freight side, Airbus estimates that Indian airlines’ annual cargo capacity will exceed 5,000 kilotons in the next decade, almost three times the current level.

MRO and services market to triple

The rapid expansion of fleets will boost the maintenance, repair and overhaul sector. Airbus expects the Indian MRO market to grow from $3 billion today to $9.5 billion over the next decade, covering airframe, component and engine services. “Airbus is committed to supporting the development of an indigenous MRO ecosystem through training, provision of materials and tools, advisory services and partnerships with regional players,” Mr. Westermeier added.

Training and staffing requirements

By 2035, India is expected to need about 35,000 pilots and a similar number of technicians. Although the country currently has more than 40 flight schools, more than 50 basic maintenance training courses and more than 30 full-scale flight simulators, additional training capacity will be needed to meet future demand.

From sourcing to complete aircraft assembly

Airbus also outlined the evolution of its industrial footprint in India in three phases. Between 2015 and 2020, the company leveraged Indian technical and digital capabilities to deliver global services, reaching a purchasing volume of approximately $0.5 billion. In the second phase, the focus shifted to manufacturing parts and components within India. Over the past five years, production has been scaled up from detailed parts to complex components, including doors for the A220 aircraft.

The third phase marks a transition to full aircraft assembly. Airbus is setting up a final assembly line for the H125 helicopter, scheduled to be inaugurated next month. Additionally, the first Indian-made and assembled C295 aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in the third quarter of 2026.